[dropcap size=big]F[/dropcap]rench children’s author Jean de Brunhoff and A.A. Milne are responsible for introducing many young readers to Babar, the little elephant whose mother is killed by a hunter leaving him to escape the jungle. Forced to fend for himself, he travels the world, has many adventures and shares his knowledge with other elephants so …

Julie Ann Pedalino is not your average custom bike frame builder. With a background in the fine arts, she’s explored almost every medium out there. A creative, bubbly bike enthusiast, Julie learned to wrench at Velo Plus in Kansas City, and now applies her artistic eye to building bikes that fit their riders for form, …

Gillian Grogan’s music is woven with intention, and imprinted with the places and people she’s come across in her travels. A self-described engineer, sustainability geek, musician, and human, she wields the power of her songs as a call to action for the environment, and the people who inhabit it. Cross-legged in the September sun, I …

Sukie Robertson has been involved with the kite surfing industry for 15 years now — as a surfer, as a coach, as a commentator on international tour, as the owner of a kiteboard centre, as a director of kids camps, as a writer. It’s been quite a ride, but for those dreaming about becoming a …

I asked Leslie Laurie-Nicoll, a stage IV bladder cancer survivor and all-around heartwarming and inspiring woman, what is courage? “What is courage?” she replied, “Courage is the ability to move forward even in the face of fear. How have I faced fear? Bravely—with loving friends and family holding my hand and walking by my side.” This …

It can be challenging to turn a love of travel into a career, but here’s a success story to inspire anyone who’s ever had an inkling of wanderlust. Wendy Pashman spent nearly 30 years in catering before pinning down what really sparked her interest in tableware: the stories behind each individual piece. A curator and …

Francine LeFrak is changing the way one approaches “giving back.” She is a philanthropist with a hands-on approach who works tirelessly to help end violence against women and support education and empowerment of women around the world. She was born into a family that imprinted upon her the importance of giving back. LeFrak’s hard work and vision have …

I first met Crista Scott at the Born to Run Ultramarathons where I and several dozen others spent a weekend camping, dancing and running ultramarathons — by which I mean we ran 31, 50 or 100 miles around a farm in Santa Barbara, California. Although the run itself was fun, it was the people that were …

After being raped on her second night at college, Aspen Matis went from being a student to being an alchemist of sorts—transforming herself from a victim into an empowered young woman impacting the lives of others. In Girl In the Woods, Matis chronicles hiking alone along The Pacific Crest Trail, “a continuous footpath through the deserts, …

I have long been a fan of award winning international journalist Kitty Pilgrim. Now, I am a fan of Kitty Pilgrim, adventure novelist, speaker, and role model. Her first novel, The Explorers Code, got me hooked on the characters and their life of intrigue. I imagined myself as one of them, living the very James Bond …

We were lucky enough to catch up with Leslie Long, trip leader at Lizard Head Cycling Guides, which leads mountain and road bike tours around the west. She talks with us about their best trips, finding a career in the outdoors, and why cycling is just great. [divider]The Interview[/divider] When and why did you start guiding for …